All the pictures in this step-by-step were made on a Solé Diesel Mini-44 engine, but are generic enough to be applicable on many models even of competing brands.
When to drain?
Generally, engine manufacturers require an oil change every 100 hours or once a year. We recommend that you perform this operation at the beginning of the season to prevent the oil from oxidizing - and losing its properties - throughout the winter if you change it at the end of the season.
The 10-step draining process
1 euros Heat the oil.
To increase the fluidity of the oil and to ensure that the oil change goes smoothly, run the engine for at least 5 minutes before starting the oil change. Then turn off the engine.
2 euros Connect an oil pump, either on the drain hose if the engine is equipped with one, or directly via the dipstick, making sure that the hose reaches the bottom of the crankcase.
Place the outlet of the pump in a container large enough to hold the used oil (an old can will remain stable and avoid the risk of soiling). In our example, we use a hand pump, but there are electric pumps. Some engine models even have this pump already attached to their side.
These pumps are used because gravity draining by opening a plug in the bottom of the crankcase is not possible. Unlike a car that can be lifted, access under the engine of a boat is impossible. In addition, marine engines are often tilted backwards. The crankcase cap is not at the lowest point.
3 euros Pump in every last drop of oil.
4 euros Change the oil filter.
It is a disposable filter that is located in the oil circuit and retains all the dirt or filings that the engine makes. The oil filter must be changed at each oil change.
A cartridge oil filter can be unscrewed with a chain wrench or a model that fits the size of the filter. Be careful, there is always some oil left in the filter. Have some rags available to wipe off the spillage that will inevitably occur.
5 euros Clean the filter area with a cloth. Make sure that all the gasket has remained on the filter and not on the motor.
6 euros Using your finger, grease the seal with oil before starting to tighten the new filter.
7 euros Tighten the filter firmly by hand. Do not use a wrench under any circumstances! If you tighten it too much, the filter will not come apart the next time you change the oil. Tightening by hand is sufficient, as the engine heats up, the gasket expands and ensures the seal.
8 euros Immediately fill the crankcase with new oil (it avoids forgetting!). Each engine manufacturer indicates the quantity of oil to be added after the oil change. Follow these recommendations.
9 euros Start the engine for 1 minute and watch for oil leaks (especially under the filter).
10 euros Stop the engine and check the oil level with the dipstick.
The oil level should be between the two marks (high and low). If it is low, top it up.
